Comparative Efficacy of Prostate Tumor Induction Methods in Wistar Rats

Authors

  • Okorochi Chinenye Mary Babcock University, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ogun State, Nigeria.
  • Sodeinde Moses Nifemi Babcock University, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ogun State, Nigeria.
  • Okorochi Enoch Chibuike Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Osun State, Nigeria. University of Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2050-6230
  • Akinyo Adeyinka Samson Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Postgraduate Studies, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • Jegede Olushola Olakunle Federal Medical Centre, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7889-4546
  • Ehidiamhen Felix Edoiseh David Umahi, Federal University of Health Sciences, Department of Anatomic and Forensic Pathology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
  • Dike Ejike McNelson Nlemchukwu Federal University Teaching Hospital, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
  • Ukachukwu Macpherson Ifeanyi David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Department of Histopathology, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
  • Obiozor Augustine Ifeanyi Imo State University, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Owerri, Imo State. Nigeria.
  • Eze Gerald Ikechi University of Benin, Department of Anatomy, Edo State, Nigeria.
  • Akinbo Federick Olusegun University of Benin, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Edo State, Nigeria.

Keywords:

Prostate cancer, Wistar rat, tumor induction, Testosterone propionate, histopathology

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of three methods for inducing prostate tumors in male Wistar rats: hormonal induction using testosterone propionate, chemical induction with cadmium chloride, and a combination of both agents. The research seeks to enhance understanding of the interactions between environmental and hormonal factors in prostate cancer development.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-five male Wistar rats (180-220 grams) were randomly assigned to five groups: a control group (no induction), a low-dose cadmium chloride group (1 mg/kg), a high-dose cadmium chloride group (2 mg/kg), a testosterone propionate group (5 mg/kg), and a combination group (1 mg/kg cadmium chloride + 5 mg/kg testosterone). Each treatment was administered over four weeks, followed by a four-week observation period. Histopathological analyses were conducted on prostate tissues using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining to assess tumor characteristics and progression.

Results: Histopathological examination revealed that the control group exhibited normal prostate architecture. The low-dose cadmium chloride group showed mild hyperplasia, while the high-dose group displayed significant dysplastic changes. The testosterone propionate group demonstrated hyperplastic and pleomorphic epithelium, indicative of early tumorigenesis. The combination group exhibited the most aggressive tumors, characterized by severely dysplastic epithelium and stromal invasion. Survival rates were notably lower in the combination group, indicating increased health risks associated with dual exposure.

Conclusions: The study concludes that the combination of cadmium chloride and testosterone propionate results in a more aggressive tumor phenotype compared to either agent alone, suggesting a synergistic effect in prostate carcinogenesis. These findings underscore the importance of using combined hormonal and chemical induction models to better replicate human prostate cancer for experimental research. Further studies are recommended to explore molecular mechanisms and optimize induction protocols for improved translational relevance in prostate cancer research.

 

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Published

2025-07-14

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Research Articles/ Original Work

License

 West Asia Organization for Cabcer Prevention retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License 4 (This permits anyone to copy, distribute, transmit and adapt the published work, provided the original work and source are appropriately cited).